Personal tools

The Accomplishment of a Vocation Promoter

It is a memorable feat, having another recruit ordained. No other feelings can describe it but happiness. I couldn’t hold my tears when Fr. Louie Ybañez started to give his blessing, especially to Bishop De La Peña and fellow priests during his ordination.

The Accomplishment
of a Vocation Promoter

by Bernie
Durangparang

It
is a memorable feat, having another recruit ordained. No other feelings can
describe it but happiness. I couldn’t hold my tears when Fr. Louie Ybañez started to impart his
blessing especially to Bishop De La Peña and fellow priests during his ordination.

Bernie Durangparang
with Fr. Louie Ybañez

I
am in my 23rd year as a Columban vocation promoter. As of this
writing, I am 48 years old. When I turned 40, I began counting my accomplishments.
I asked myself, “Oh my God, what have I contributed to the community? What am I
doing in this world?” At that time, I
thought I haven't accomplished anything yet. I felt guilty, sad and downhearted
until I realized that the kind of work I have, accompanying young people who are
discerning their vocation in life, is in itself a great accomplishment. A few
had become priests and some may have been called to other paths in life, but I
am sure that in accompanying them, I was able to impart some values and touch
their lives in one way or another.

I
am very happy for Louie, a priest I had accompanied during his discernment
period before joining the Columban Formation Program. This is yet another
occasion that reminds me of my role and responsibility as a vocation promoter.

Vocation
ministry is hard work. There were times I felt like giving up, thinking I was
no longer effective as a promoter. I felt exhausted. But witnessing Louie receiving
the gift of priesthood has inspired me again. It fuels me to continue being an
instrument of God by fulfilling my commitment to the ministry.

Bernie during a vocation talk at Central Philippine
State University – Ilog Campus, Negros Occidental